Water damage, mold forces Brevard medical practice to relocate

By CAITLIN BYRDTimes-News Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 1:14 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 1:14 p.m.

BREVARD — After common mold was discovered growing in the walls of the largest medical practice in Transylvania County two weeks ago, the group practice of the Medical Associates of Transylvania has temporarily relocated.

“Our first priority is always the safety of our patients and staff,” said Rebecca Carter, Transylvania Regional Hospital’s chief operating officer and vice president of clinical operations. “Common mold exposure doesn’t usually cause problems for healthy patients, but it can trigger allergic reactions in some people and cause asthma attacks in those who are sensitive to mold. Patients who have compromised immune systems can occasionally develop respiratory and sinus infections.”

About two weeks ago, water damage was found at the building at 377 Gallimore Road. According to a news release from Transylvania Regional Hospital, the water damage and subsequent mold growth occurred after recent heavy rain caused a leak in the roof of the one-story building.

However, by Wednesday, April 23, staff members discovered mold in the walls.

According to Transylvania Regional Hospital spokesperson Rodney Foushee, less than 24 hours after the mold was discovered, the practice was temporarily relocated to two locations, which are also owned by the hospital: the Brevard Family Practice and the pain management clinic near the Brevard Cancer & Infusion Center.

The Medical Associates of Transylvania County provides primary care for more than 4,000 individual patients in the community annually, with an average of 100 patient visits per day at the practice.

Foushee said patients who are currently seen by the practice’s six doctors and one nurse practitioner will still be able to see their provider.

“All patients who have upcoming appointments have been notified,” said Foushee, who added that the practice has a process in place to notify patients about the location change.

Until repairs are made and the mold is removed, the Medical Associates office building will remain closed. Foushee said an engineer is looking at the building damage this week.

Medical Associates patients can schedule appointments with their doctor, speak to the clinical assistant or get test results by calling the practice’s main number at 828-884-9030.

<p>BREVARD — After common mold was discovered growing in the walls of the largest medical practice in Transylvania County two weeks ago, the group practice of the Medical Associates of Transylvania has temporarily relocated.</p><p>“Our first priority is always the safety of our patients and staff,” said Rebecca Carter, Transylvania Regional Hospital's chief operating officer and vice president of clinical operations. “Common mold exposure doesn't usually cause problems for healthy patients, but it can trigger allergic reactions in some people and cause asthma attacks in those who are sensitive to mold. Patients who have compromised immune systems can occasionally develop respiratory and sinus infections.”</p><p>About two weeks ago, water damage was found at the building at 377 Gallimore Road. According to a news release from Transylvania Regional Hospital, the water damage and subsequent mold growth occurred after recent heavy rain caused a leak in the roof of the one-story building.</p><p>However, by Wednesday, April 23, staff members discovered mold in the walls. </p><p>According to Transylvania Regional Hospital spokesperson Rodney Foushee, less than 24 hours after the mold was discovered, the practice was temporarily relocated to two locations, which are also owned by the hospital: the Brevard Family Practice and the pain management clinic near the Brevard Cancer & Infusion Center.</p><p>The Medical Associates of Transylvania County provides primary care for more than 4,000 individual patients in the community annually, with an average of 100 patient visits per day at the practice.</p><p>Foushee said patients who are currently seen by the practice's six doctors and one nurse practitioner will still be able to see their provider.</p><p>“All patients who have upcoming appointments have been notified,” said Foushee, who added that the practice has a process in place to notify patients about the location change.</p><p>Until repairs are made and the mold is removed, the Medical Associates office building will remain closed. Foushee said an engineer is looking at the building damage this week.</p><p>Medical Associates patients can schedule appointments with their doctor, speak to the clinical assistant or get test results by calling the practice's main number at 828-884-9030.</p><p>Reach Byrd at caitlin.byrd@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7881.</p>